766/800 - Lori
I saw her coming across the square shortly before the International Pillow Fight Day event was about to begin at City Hall in Toronto. Her outfit was fabulous and her open smile and sparkling eyes captured my attention immediately. I asked if I could take a photo and she said “Sure.” Meet Lori.
I took a quick photo where she stood and then mentioned my 100 Strangers project to which she immediately agreed. As I mentioned in my previous submission (Teresa) taking effective photos in Nathan Phillips Square is a bit of a challenge because of the rather open square with little in the way of interesting backgrounds or protection from direct light. I asked her if we could walk a few steps to the side of the square even though I didn’t have a big plan on how to best set the photo up. I was counting on some kind of divine inspiration and as I “winged” it, Lori was thoughtful enough to remove her glasses which I thought had a stylish touch but would have reflected (see comment photo).
Just as I figured out an effective position for the photo, a group of fellows walked right behind Lori and set up camp for a nice long chat. I walked over and gestured for them to move to the side if possible and they did so. I joked to Lori that I’ve become bolder since starting my project and she seemed amused. I suppose “bold” for me doesn’t look all that bossy to others.
Photos taken, I walked with Lori as the event was about to begin on the other side of the square. I wanted to find out a little bit about her and exchange contact information. Lori is 29 and does youth work in a Community Health Centre (a comprehensive multiservice centre in a high-needs part of west Toronto). She runs a program for youth called TRIP which I looked up when I got home and discovered it is a harm reduction program for youth participating in the electronic music “Rave” scene. It is nonjudgmental and offers unbiased information about lowering risks associated with sex and drugs in a scene that is known to have plenty of both. We “connected” around the fact that I’m a retired Social Worker and a former coworker is employed at a Community Health Centre.
As I was struggling to get Lori’s email despite my note-taking cell phone going dead, followed by my pen not working (classic project mishaps) Lori gently reminded me she had to be aware of time because she was in charge of the big Pillow Fight event! I had no idea and was amazed at her generosity since she had given me a few very friendly minutes of her time when she had some serious responsibilities of which I had not been the least bit aware. See www.national-awareness-days.com/international-pillow-figh... and www.newmindspace.com/ for more information about International Pillow Fight Day. I found Lori to be a very relaxed and “grounded” individual and I’m sure she’s very good at what she does with youth. I sensed her calm and trust even in the short 4-5 minutes we spent together.
A few brief minutes later the whistle blew and the pillow fight erupted and I got a few photos of the pillow mayhem. It was all in good fun and people really had a blast swinging their pillows at each other.
I promised to send Lori her photos and we promised to link up by email for her to tell me a bit more about herself and her work. Thank you Lori for the chance to meet you and for participating in 100 Strangers on a busy day. You are #767 in Round 8 of my project. The pillow fight event was a big success and a lot of fun so you must be quite pleased.
Additional note: As if her outfit wasn't proof enough of Lori's great taste and sense of style, when I got home and edited the photos I realized she was carrying an Olympus camera which I hadn't noticed!
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by the other photographers in our group at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.
766/800 - Lori
I saw her coming across the square shortly before the International Pillow Fight Day event was about to begin at City Hall in Toronto. Her outfit was fabulous and her open smile and sparkling eyes captured my attention immediately. I asked if I could take a photo and she said “Sure.” Meet Lori.
I took a quick photo where she stood and then mentioned my 100 Strangers project to which she immediately agreed. As I mentioned in my previous submission (Teresa) taking effective photos in Nathan Phillips Square is a bit of a challenge because of the rather open square with little in the way of interesting backgrounds or protection from direct light. I asked her if we could walk a few steps to the side of the square even though I didn’t have a big plan on how to best set the photo up. I was counting on some kind of divine inspiration and as I “winged” it, Lori was thoughtful enough to remove her glasses which I thought had a stylish touch but would have reflected (see comment photo).
Just as I figured out an effective position for the photo, a group of fellows walked right behind Lori and set up camp for a nice long chat. I walked over and gestured for them to move to the side if possible and they did so. I joked to Lori that I’ve become bolder since starting my project and she seemed amused. I suppose “bold” for me doesn’t look all that bossy to others.
Photos taken, I walked with Lori as the event was about to begin on the other side of the square. I wanted to find out a little bit about her and exchange contact information. Lori is 29 and does youth work in a Community Health Centre (a comprehensive multiservice centre in a high-needs part of west Toronto). She runs a program for youth called TRIP which I looked up when I got home and discovered it is a harm reduction program for youth participating in the electronic music “Rave” scene. It is nonjudgmental and offers unbiased information about lowering risks associated with sex and drugs in a scene that is known to have plenty of both. We “connected” around the fact that I’m a retired Social Worker and a former coworker is employed at a Community Health Centre.
As I was struggling to get Lori’s email despite my note-taking cell phone going dead, followed by my pen not working (classic project mishaps) Lori gently reminded me she had to be aware of time because she was in charge of the big Pillow Fight event! I had no idea and was amazed at her generosity since she had given me a few very friendly minutes of her time when she had some serious responsibilities of which I had not been the least bit aware. See www.national-awareness-days.com/international-pillow-figh... and www.newmindspace.com/ for more information about International Pillow Fight Day. I found Lori to be a very relaxed and “grounded” individual and I’m sure she’s very good at what she does with youth. I sensed her calm and trust even in the short 4-5 minutes we spent together.
A few brief minutes later the whistle blew and the pillow fight erupted and I got a few photos of the pillow mayhem. It was all in good fun and people really had a blast swinging their pillows at each other.
I promised to send Lori her photos and we promised to link up by email for her to tell me a bit more about herself and her work. Thank you Lori for the chance to meet you and for participating in 100 Strangers on a busy day. You are #767 in Round 8 of my project. The pillow fight event was a big success and a lot of fun so you must be quite pleased.
Additional note: As if her outfit wasn't proof enough of Lori's great taste and sense of style, when I got home and edited the photos I realized she was carrying an Olympus camera which I hadn't noticed!
Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by the other photographers in our group at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page.